A number of individual pupils and one group were nominated by various members of staff for awards. The ceremony was held on Tuesday 30 September at the Beach Ballroom and there was considerable excitement amongst those attending with teachers and family members.
Natalie Ho, S6 last year, was nominated by her Heads of House Miss Hosie in the “inspirational Young Person” category amongst seven others. Also nominated in this category by her Head of House Miss Hosie was Emily Dawson in S4. Emily is an inspirational young person because she showed great resilience in coping with major back surgery last year. She has faced many challenges in life but always comes to school with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. This award was early on in the evening and we were delighted when Natalie’s name was read out as the winner. Natalie was a worthy winner as she helps to care for a family member who needs a lot of medical attention and at the same time she was a House captain, a prefect and a MICAS volunteer in school. A true role model for other young people. We were also delighted when it was announced that Emily was being given a special success award.
In the physical achievement category Erin Wyness was nominated with three other young people from throughout Aberdeen. The nomination from Mr Jappy in the PE department was because of her outstanding success in rowing at many national and international events. She competed at this high level whilst at the same time as working for her highers to gain entry to university and maintaining a cheerful and positive outlook. Another true role model. Sadly Erin did not win but both she and Emily were recognised for their achievements with a special success award.
The cast of the school show were nominated for the City of Culture Award because of their success over the last three years with Oliver, The Wizard of Oz and Footloose. The show has also been used as a vehicle for supporting learning throughout the school. The 4 cast members who have been in all three shows; Max Batey, Bradley Phillips, Melissa Buchan and Shelley Cunningham were disappointed not to win but this has not dampened their enthusiasm for participating in the arts. The next production will be Copacabana at the Arts Centre Aberdeen 17 – 19 June 2015.
Our final nominee was Campbell Tough who was nominated by Mr Willox in the “working in the Community” category. Campbell, a competitive swimmer himself, was nominated for all his work coaching younger swimmers, and lifeguarding. He did all of this whilst being a kind and caring individual at home and in school. Campbell and his family were delighted when his name was read out as the winner.
It was a long evening but the young people, their families and the staff enjoyed the event which included a buffet and some great entertainment from young people throughout the city.